Connected in Love

It kind of took us all by surprise, and at the same time, we should have known it was coming. When it landed on Canadian shores, in our cities, communities, and homes, we were unsure what to do. Normally citizens are called to 'take to the streets' to offer protection, yet we were called to the exact opposite: to shelter in place, to self-isolate, to protect the most vulnerable among us by remaining firmly at home.
It's not our instinct to protect through withdrawal. It's not our instinct to help by staying at home, by not interacting with those who need us. It is our instinct to charge the foe, and vanquish it through head-on combat. But that won't work, and in fact, could be disastrous.
So how do the People of God remain connected through these challenging times? 
Technology. It might not be the most familiar method, and it certainly isn't our first choice—but it does allow us to stay connected when we can't physically be in the same space at the same time.
As we continue to journey together during these challenging times, you are invited to join Bishop Gary Gordon as he celebrates Mass and leads us in a Lenten Diocesan Mission, through our live stream from St. Andrew's Cathedral in Victoria. Times are listed here, on our live stream page, through which you can also access upcoming and past videos.
We are grateful for the opportunity to gather to worship through technology, and thankful for all those who stay home to protect the wellbeing of our frontline workers, our families, our communities, our cities, and our country. Sometimes we are called to serve through quietness.
May God bless you as you continue to journey through Lent, arriving joyously at Easter morning, when we find the stone rolled away, and are greeted by our resurrected Lord.
And may you and your families stay safe, healthy, well, and ... home!

Written by Connie Dunwoody
Connie Dunwoody serves as the Communications Coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria.